Description:
The work we do in the Secretary of State's office affects Minnesotans in all 87 counties, whether that's ensuring our election system is fair, open, impartial, and secure; making it as easy as possible for Minnesotans to set up and run their businesses; or helping protect victims of domestic violence and others who fear for their safety.Job Details:
- Working Title: Assistant General Counsel
- Job Class: Staff Attorney 2
- Agency: Secretary of State
Job ID: 91948
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 03/02/2026
- Closing Date: 03/16/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Secretary of State / Secretary of State-MAPE
- Division/Unit: Elections Sys Dev / Legal Affairs/Public Records
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $38.55 - $57.35 / hourly; $80,492 - $119,746 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/): Yes
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary:
As the Assistant General Counsel, you will provide legal assistance to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (OSS), external stakeholders, and the general public regarding application of statues and rules under OSS's jurisdiction. This position will focus on business services issues, including supporting the new Business Identify Recovery process and other emerging business services processes and issues.
Main responsibilities include:
- Provide legal and technical analysis to the Business Services division director and staff regarding legal obligations and procedures.
- Provide legal advice on federal procurement and contracting laws.
- Draft legal memoranda, orders, and correspondence setting forth the OSS's position in response to requests for legal analysis.
- Provide clarification of the Office of Secretary of State's interpretation and application of statutory provisions, administrative rules, and other law at issue.
- Assist in internal labor relations investigations.
- Provide legal review/analysis of legislation impacting OSS and assist in drafting fiscal notes as required by the legislature.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least three years' experience as a practicing attorney.
- Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school.
- Current license and in good standing to practice law in Minnesota
- Experience must demonstrate the following:
- Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills;
- Building and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
- Providing legal advice to leadership on diverse and complex data privacy matters; and
- Experience in one or more areas of law applicable to the OSS, namely, business and procurement law.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in or with the Attorney General's Office and/or State government agencies.
- Experience working in an area of law related to this position.
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Expertise or experience handling complex issues related to state and federal data privacy and security.
Additional Requirements:
It is the policy of the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State that all candidates submit a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
- A submission of a legal writing sample will be required at the time of interview.
- SEMA4 Records Check
- Criminal History Check
- Employment Reference Check
- Education/License Verification
Application Details
How to Apply:
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact:
If you have questions about this position, contact Meagan Saiko at meagan.saiko@state.mn.us
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Meagan Saiko at meagan.saiko@state.mn.us.
About Secretary of State
The work we do at the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State affects all Minnesotans in all 87 counties, whether that's ensuring our election system is fair, open, impartial, and secure; making it as easy as possible for Minnesotans to set up and run their businesses; or helping protect victims of domestic violence and others who fear for their safety.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits:
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.